One of two samples from pet dog positive for rabies

KUCHING: A sample collected from a pet dog at Jalan Min Chung, Loti Kong in Batu Kawah near here turned out positive for rabies.

It was one of two samples sent for tests at the Veterinary Research Institute (VRI) in Ipoh - the results received on Friday.

Jalan Min Chung is within a 10km radius of an area gazetted as rabies-infected.

Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (JPBN) secretariat in a statement revealed that as of yesterday (March 17), 100 samples collected from 92 dogs and eight cats tested positive for rabies.

"We remind pet owners in areas already gazetted as rabies-infested to neuter their pet dogs and cats to control the population and minimise the risk of being infected by rabies.

"They are also reminded to confine their pets - whether vaccinated against rabies or not - in their homes, and prevent them getting in contact with stray animals.

"Pet owners are advised to immediately contact the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) at 082-612949 or 082-611607 if they notice any change in behaviour of their pets," it said.

It also warned the public against adopting any stray dogs from areas gazetted as rabies-infected to prevent spread of the disease.

On another matter, state Health Department in the same statement reported 39 new animal bite cases yesterday: 10 cases in Kuching, seven in Sarikei, five in Serian, four in Samarahan, three in Sri Aman and one in Betong. Twenty-seven of them were bitten by dogs including three by stray dogs and 12 by cats (three strays).

"We advise those with a history of dog bites to immediately go for check up at the nearest medical facility," it said.

Since July last year, seven positive human rabies cases were reported, out of which six, including two young siblings in Serian, have passed away.

A total 30 areas have been gazetted as rabies-infested: 21 in Serian, four in Kuching, three in Samarahan, and one each in Sri Aman and Sarikei.